
Mark Magsayo to fight in Pacquiao-Barrios undercard
Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo will once again be in the undercards of a Manny Pacquiao fight as he is set to battle Mexican Jorge Mata Cuellar at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 19.
Magsayo and Cuellar will fight in a 10-round match for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) continental American super featherweight title in the undercards of the Pacquiao-Barrios fight.
"It's a very great opportunity to fight for the second time as a part of undercard bouts of my childhood hero Manny Pacquiao who is the main reason why I started boxing,' the 29-year old Magsayo said.
'Like the first time I fought under his card when I was in featherweight class, this is also another stepping stone to my second division super featherweight world title bid,' Magsayo added. 'I'm grateful for the opportunity from big brother Manny.'
Magsayo scored a 10th round knockout of Julio Ceja in the Pacquiao-Ugas match in 2021. He then became the WBC featherweight champ in 2022 after defeating Gary Russell Jr. and won the WBA intercontinental super featherweight title with a unanimous decision nod over Eduardo Ramirez of Mexico last year.
'I would like to thank Sir Manny Pacquiao, also Sean Gibbons who takes care of my career and made me a world champion,' Magsayo said.
Magsayo has a record of 27-2 with 18 knockouts, while Cuellar has has 21-2-2 record with 13 knockouts.
Aside from Magsayo, Eumir Marcial will fight alongside Pacquiao when he takes on Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round middleweight non-title bout.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News

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GMA Network
5 days ago
- GMA Network
Mark Magsayo to fight in Pacquiao-Barrios undercard
Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo will once again be in the undercards of a Manny Pacquiao fight as he is set to battle Mexican Jorge Mata Cuellar at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 19. Magsayo and Cuellar will fight in a 10-round match for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) continental American super featherweight title in the undercards of the Pacquiao-Barrios fight. "It's a very great opportunity to fight for the second time as a part of undercard bouts of my childhood hero Manny Pacquiao who is the main reason why I started boxing,' the 29-year old Magsayo said. 'Like the first time I fought under his card when I was in featherweight class, this is also another stepping stone to my second division super featherweight world title bid,' Magsayo added. 'I'm grateful for the opportunity from big brother Manny.' Magsayo scored a 10th round knockout of Julio Ceja in the Pacquiao-Ugas match in 2021. He then became the WBC featherweight champ in 2022 after defeating Gary Russell Jr. and won the WBA intercontinental super featherweight title with a unanimous decision nod over Eduardo Ramirez of Mexico last year. 'I would like to thank Sir Manny Pacquiao, also Sean Gibbons who takes care of my career and made me a world champion,' Magsayo said. Magsayo has a record of 27-2 with 18 knockouts, while Cuellar has has 21-2-2 record with 13 knockouts. Aside from Magsayo, Eumir Marcial will fight alongside Pacquiao when he takes on Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round middleweight non-title bout. —JKC, GMA Integrated News


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5 days ago
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From backyard hobby to Pro Circuit: Pickleball star Lauren Mercado blazes the trail
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For Lauren, who had been competing in basketball, the abrupt halt of organized sports left a void. Her parents encouraged her to pick up a paddle, and that moment at Cougar Creek Pickleball Courts marked the beginning of what would become a new athletic chapter. 'I discovered my love for pickleball because of my parents. They were the ones who introduced me to the sport,' said Lauren. With athletic instincts honed by years on the basketball court, Lauren quickly found her rhythm—and her competitive fire. She began entering tournaments and putting in serious hours on court, transitioning from a newcomer to a formidable opponent in national competitions. 'She's been playing in the pro circuit for the last two years now,' said Erika. 'And Lex will soon be starting.' While Lauren was the first to shine on the pickleball court, her younger brother Lex wasn't far behind in discovering the game's appeal. 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'I definitely think if you work hard at what you love, you'll be able to achieve anything. I just put a lot of work in and I train every day.' This mindset, paired with family support and community encouragement—has helped Lauren and Lex thrive in a sport that's rapidly gaining popularity around the world. What was once seen as a sport for retirees has now become a fast-paced, competitive arena with professional tours and growing youth engagement. 'It's so cool to just be able to travel now. I get to go to other countries, other states, and meet lots of new people. Everyone's so nice. The community of pickleball is what makes pickleball,' Lex said. Inspiring the next generation As Lauren continues to rise in the ranks and Lex prepares to enter the pro circuit, the Mercados hope their journey can inspire other young Filipino athletes to pursue their dreams, especially in niche sports like pickleball. 'I just hope that with what they're doing, they can inspire other kids, other Filipino athletes, to follow in their footsteps,' said Erika. 'To know that they can be great at something new, even if it starts in a public park during a pandemic.' From makeshift courts during lockdowns to the bright lights of professional competition, Lauren and Lex Mercado prove that with passion, perseverance, and pancit-fueled family support—anything is possible. Pickleball may have started as a curious discovery on a quiet walk, but for the Mercados, it has become a family legacy in the making. —JKC, GMA Integrated News

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Sweden's Duplantis sets new pole vault world record with 6.28-m jump
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